JJBRARV OF CONGRESS 




-*-*^ ^ ^ 
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LIBRARY OF C ONGI^ESS. 

Shelf Y^Q^>i 






UNITED STATES OF AMEEIOA. 



IVUh Compliments of 



sunvirons' association, 



109th PENNA. VETEEAN VOLS. 



The locjtli Regiment 

Penna. Veteran Volunteers 



AN ADDRESS 



DELIVERED AT THE UNVEILING OF THEIR MONUMENT ON GULPS HILL 



GETTYSBURG, PA., SEPTEMBER II, I889 



MOSES VEALE 

Major logih Penna. Veteran Volunteers 



PHILADELPHIA 

1890 
x,yO 



1 D^t^ 



lAMEi Beai.e, Printer, 

7iy Sansora Street, Philadelphia. 



UPON the first call of the President for three months' troops, 
Henry J. Stainrook answered the call and served as 
captain for the full term in the 2 2d Regiment, and immediately 
upon his return to Philadelphia offered his services for three years 
or during the war. 

His services were accepted, he was commissioned as colonel, 
and authorized to raise the 109th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry 
Volunteers — Curtin Light Guards — so called in honor of the 
patriotic and gallant War Governor of Pennsylvania. 

December 20, 1861, the regiment was mustered into the 
United States service, and from then until May 9, 1862, was drilled 
and disciplined for the field, and on this date received marching 
orders, arriving in Washington May 10, 1862. From this date 
until May 24, 1862, continued drilling, and discipline was main- 
tained ; and when the officer detailed by the War Department to 
inspect the troops encamped around Washington, for the purpose 
of selecting those who were found to exhibit sufficient drill, discip- 
line and soldierly bearing to be forwarded to the front, the 109th 
was immediately selected and ordered to march. 

While in Washington the regiment was in the Military District 
of Washington, Department of the Rappahannock. On May 25, 
1862, the regiment arrived at Harpers Ferry, Va., and was assigned 
to Cooper's Brigade, United States forces at Harpers Ferry. 

May 27 an advance was made by Cooper's Brigade, consisting 
of 109th Penna. Vols., iiith Penna. Vols., 60th N. Y. Infantry, 
78th N.Y. Infantry, io2d N.V. Infantry, 3d Maryland Infantr), and 



4 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

2d District of Columbia Infantry, as far as Bolivar Heights; and 
on the afternoon of May 29 Stonewall Jackson's Division appeared 
in front, advancing from Charlestown. 

General Cooper opened artillery fire upon the advancing 
column, and the enemy replied, maintaining for the period of one 
hour or more an artillery duel, the infantry remaining simply in 
support; this was the baptism of fire of the 109th, the first sound 
of the enemy's guns, but a sound which the regiment was destined 
to hear without intermission until the close of the war. 

On June 2, 1862, Cooper's Brigade was assigned to Sigel's 
Division, Department of Shenandoah. After marching through 
Charlestown, Winchester, Kernstown and Middletown, to Cedar 
Creek, it was assigned to First Brigade (Gen. Cooper), Second 
Division (Gen. Sigel), Second Corps (Gen. Banks), Army of 
Virginia (Gen. Pope). 

July 5, 1862, the division marched to Front Royal, through 
Manassas Gap to Warrenton, Va. , and from there to Little Wash- 
ington, where the regiment encamped until August i, 1862, when 
orders were received to march, and they crossed Hazel River, 
through Culpeper Court-house to Cedar or Slaughter Mountain, 
where on August 9, 1862, the battle of Cedar or Slaughter Moun- 
tain was fought. 

In this battle the 109th was not to be a mere spectator or 
held in support of artillery, but was to engage in the real and fierce 
contest of war. The battle was opened by the artillery and con- 
tinued for nearly an hour, when the infantry were ordered to 
advance ; and although the first battle in which the 109th had 
engaged, the order was obeyed by the men and most of the officers 
with the spirit and determination of veterans. During the artillery 
firing Colonel Stainrook was severely wounded, but refused to 
leave the field and remained in command during the entire battle. 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 5 

The advance was made, and the order given " fire at will " ; the 
First Brigade, ab this time commanded by Gen. Prince, was on the 
left of the line, the division being commanded by Gen. Augur, 
and the corps by Gen. Banks. The 109th was flanked on the right 
by the 3d Maryland. The advance was commenced late in the 
afternjQon, the entire brigade in line, with steady march and delib- 
erate firing ; but soon, as the enemy was brought into closer contact 
and the sheet of flame from their line of musketry became contin- 
uous, the firing of our troops became more rapid, and the smoke 
and flame of the two lines became commingled. At this time the 
109th was without adjutant or field officer, except the wounded 
colonel, but there was no wavering ; the line was steady and the 
firing continuous. Soon darkness commenced to settle upon the 
field, and yet the 109th maintained its ground. 

At this time the regiment received an enfilading fire from the 
right, and the colonel, supposing the fire was from the regiment of 
our own brigade on the right, which in the darkness and smoke had 
misdirected its fire, dispatched an ofificer with orders to stop this 
enfilading, when it was discovered that the entire corps on our 
right, including the regiments of our brigade, had fallen back, and 
that the logth was flanked on the right by the enemy, and unsup- 
ported on the left. The colonel gave the order to fall back, and 
all obeyed the order except a few — more rash than wise — who 
attempted to advance with the colors ; some of these paid the 
penalty of serving in Libby Prison. 

This battle was to the regiment like fire to silver — it purged it 
of its dross, and purified the remainder by the blood of their dead 
and wounded comrades and their own tried courage and patriotism. 

After Cedar or Slaughter Mountain, Banks* Corps fell back to 
Culpeper, and from there was, with the Army of Virginia, with- 
drawn behind the Rappahannock ; and the 109th, with other 



6 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

commands, for a week or ten days were engaged in guarding the 
fords of the river, repulsing all attempts of the enemy to cross. 
They were then withdrawn across Bull Run, forming the rear-guard 
of the army, destroying an immense amount of ammunition, burn- 
ing wagon-trains and cars. The regiment crossed Bull Run Septem- 
ber I, 1862. 

During the battle of Antietam the regiment was not actually 
engaged, but its commanding officer. Colonel Stainrook, was in 
command of the brigade, which — with the exception of the 109th 
— was actively and severely engaged. Colonel Stainrook displayed, 
as he did in every battle, great bravery and skill. 

After the battle of Antietam the 109th crossed the Potomac 
into Maryland, passing through Frederick, Maryland, across South 
Mountain and Antietam, and from thence to Loudon Heights. 

Under the reorganization of the Army of the Potomac in 
September, the regiment was assigned to Second Brigade, Second 
Division, Twelfth Army Corps, and remained in Second Brigade 
until November, 1862, when it was assigned to Third Brigade, 
Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, and stationed on Bolivar 
Heights, and remained here until December 10, 1862. 

Receiving orders to join the army at Fredericksburg, passing 
through Leesburg and Fairfax to Dumfries, Va., where after a slight 
skirmish they returned to Fairfax Station, on Orange and Alexan- 
dria Railroad, the 109th went into camp until January 17, 1863, 
when orders were received to join the army at Fredericksburg, 
making the march to Acquia Creek over roads which would ordi- 
narily be considered almost impassable \ the artillery and wagons 
sinking to the hubs, and horses and mules sometimes almost lost to 
view in their struggles to draw the wagons and artillery through 
the mud. 

In April the regiment was assigned to Second Brigade, and on 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 7 

April 27, 1863, all leaves of absence and furloughs were recalled, 
and orders were given to march. This line of march was com- 
menced with haversacks and five days' rations, sixty rounds of 
ammunition, and knapsacks, overcoats and extra shoes; but the 
second day's march found overcoats and extra shoes lining the 
roads or piled in great heaps, hundreds of them being burned to 
prevent them from falling into the hands of tlie enemy. After a 
tiresome march the Twelfth Army Corps crossed the Rappahannock 
at Kelly's Ford, and the Rapidan at Germania Ford. On April 
30, 1863, the 109th Regiment had a skirmish with the pickets of 
Anderson's Division, Army of Northern Virginia. The Rappahan- 
nock and Rapidan were crossed before the enemy was aware of the 
army's presence. 

On May i, 1863, the Second Ikigade, Second Division, Twelfth 
Army Corps, consisted of 29th, 109th, iiith, 124th, and 125th 
Penna. Infantry Vols. This brigade was placed on the right of the 
plank road, and ordered to make trenches and erect breastworks, 
which they did with the aid of bayonets and tin plates. The 109th 
had but one field officer, the colonel. On the right of the 109th 
was the iiilh Penna. Vols. , and on the left tlie 124th and 125th 
Penna. Vols. 

On the morning of May i the brigade advanced beyond its 
line about one and a (jnarter miles, and formed in line of battle 
with the Third Brigade on the left, and the left of the Third Brig- 
ade resting on the plank road. In this line of battle they advanced 
through a dense thicket and undergrowth for almost one mile, when 
the brigade [)assed into an open plain and received a brisk fire from 
a battery of the enemy posted in a wood. This attack was replied 
to by Knap's Battery. The brigade crossed over the open space to 
a road which passed to and around the right of the army line, 
u]ion ground considerably elevated above the line of temporary 



8 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

breastworks. Gen. Kane, commanding the brigade, desired mak- 
ing a stand, deeming the position an important one, commanding 
the right of the line, and consequently communicated his views 
to Gen. Geary, but orders were received by him to cover with 
his command the withdrawal of the division. So well con- 
vinced was Gen. Kane of the importance of this ])osition, and so 
anxious was he to give the enemy battle, that three distinct orders 
were received before he returned. The enemy, seeing our troops 
falling back, poured into them rajjid volleys of infantry and artillery 
shot, but Kane's Brigade covered the withdrawal in a most masterly 
manner, and — in the words of Gen. Geary's report — "prevented 
the least confusion in the ranks in a movement always requiring 
great tact and delicacy, united with firmness of will and purpose." 
Our line having been regained, a line of skirmishers was sent out 
under command of Colonel Stainrook, of the 109th, supported by 
the Second Brigade, with orders to ascertain the exact whereabouts 
of the enemy and check their advance. Tliis brave and skillful 
soldier most admirably handled this line, and advanced until supe- 
rior numbers drove him in, but not until he inflicted upon them 
severe loss. 

During the night the earthworks were strengthened, and — 
owing to the scarcity of intrenching tools — sabre-bayonets, tin 
plates, pieces of boards, and in some cases the bare hands, were 
used to .scrape up the dirt. On the morning of the 2d, indications 
of a movement of the enemy were visible, which continued during 
the day. About five p. m. the 109th with the Second Brigade was 
ordered to proceed forward on the right of the plank road, and 
after advancing about two hundred yards the enemy's fire was 
drawn and our advance was made through the woods under a severe 
and galling fire. When a distance of some five hundred yards 
was reached, the enemy was discovered drawn u]) in line of battle 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. o 

in heavy force, but in a short time orders were received to fall back 
within the lines, which was done in good order. 

About six p. m., May 2, Stonewall Jackson, taking advan- 
tage of the unguarded position of the right, passed along the road 
and, falling upon the Eleventh Corps, drove them in a demoralized 
condition from their position, the enemy being checked only by the 
Twelfth Corps standing firm. During the night heavy and contin- 
uous firing was kept up along the front, and about eight o'clock 
a. m.. May 3, the 109th, with Second Brigade, was in the trenches, 
exposed to a terribly raking and enfilading fire of the enemy's 
artillery. At the same time attacks were made upon front and 
flank by his infantry. The 109th, with Second Brigade, being in 
such an exposed position, received this fire with most damaging 
eff'ect. Some of the solid shot from the artillery literally scooped 
the line of the 109th, but they maintained their position without 
wavering until ordered to march out by the left flank, which they 
did with the steady march of troops on parade, and this without a 
field oiificer. After marching some distance to the rear, the 109th 
was ordered to again take position in the front, and, countermarch- 
ing, they took position with the Second Brigade in a line of defence 
in a woods to the north of the Chancellorsville House. 

On May 4 orders were received to change position to the 
vicinity of the headquarters of the general commanding the corps, 
and to erect and strengthen breastworks. During this and the 
following day, this position was occupied. On the morning of May 
6 the io9tli crossed the Rappahannock at United States Ford, and 
the liattle of Chancellorsville passed into history. This was one of 
the most brilliantly conceived campaigns of the war, and executed 
to a certain point with consummate skill, and yet a most impotent 
conclusion. During this fight, while Col. Stainrook, commanding 
the joyth, was speaking words of encouragement to his men and 



lO THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

exposing himself to great danger, a ball from the enemy entered 
his breast and with a few words he fell dead. A braver soldier 
never lived ; a truer patriot never breathed. Had he lived until 
experience developed his natural ability, there would have been few 
if any more skilled officers in the army. Gen. Geary in an official 
report says, "I notice the death of Col. Stainrook, of the 109th, 
who gallantly fell while encouraging his men. A brave and accom- 
plished officer, his loss is one over which I cannot but express the 
convictions of my most heartfelt regret." Truth compels me to 
record an incident of this battle which occurred at the time of the 
colonel's death. The senior captain, with a number of the men, 
including the then color-sergeant, ran ignobly from the field, taking 
with them the colors of the regiment. They did not reappear 
upon the field until the fighting was over, when the captain was 
compelled through shame to resign, and the color-sergeant received 
condign punishment from his comrades, suffered disgrace, and had 
the colors taken from him. This does not disgrace the regiment 
nor the brave fellows who were not participants in it; but it only 
makes their deeds the brighter. 

The 109th returned to Acquia Creek and there remained until 
General Lee commenced his offensive-defensive campaign by invad- 
ing Pennsylvania. 

On June 13, 1863, commenced the pursuit of the army under 
Gen. Lee, and on June 30 the advance of the Twelfth Army Corps 
encountered a portion of Lee's army near Littlestown, Pa., result- 
ing in a skirmish. June 30 the 109th encamped at Littlestown, and 
on the morning of July i marched to the Two Taverns, and halted 
until about half-past two p. m. the same day, when Gen. Geary, 
commanding the division, received orders to march. The 109th 
was in the Second Brigade of Geary's Division, the brigade being 
in command of Colonel Cobham. 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. \\ 

On arriving witliin two miles of Gettysburg on the Baltimore 
Turnpike, the 109th with the Second Brigade was halted and re- 
mained until the morning of July 2, 1863. Although the 109th 
was within supporting distance, it was not actively engaged in the 
battle of Gettysburg on July i. 

In the history of the United States the first, second and third 
days of July, 1863, will ever stand as pivotal days, and the battle of 
Gettysburg not only as a pivotal battle of the rebellion, but as having 
the most imi)ortant bearing and influence upon humanity and the 
world's history. It is not excelled, if equalled, by any human 
event since the world's creation. Every event helping to make up 
the great historical event of the battle of Gettysburg is important, 
and its mention is justifiable. 

Gen. Geary, after placing his division on the line of march 
from the Two Taverns on the Baltimore Turnpike, with two staff- 
officers rode rapidly ahead towards Gettysburg, and arrived at Ceme- 
ctery Hill, where stood Gen. Hancock in command of the troops 
then on the field, being the First and Eleventh Army Corps. Gen. 
Geary dismounted and saluted Gen. Hancock. Gen. Hancock said, 
"General, where are your troops?'' and Gen. Geary replied that two 
brigades of his division were then advancing on the Baltimore 
Turnpike. Gen. Hancock then said, "Do you see that knoll or 
hill?" pointing to Little Round Top, "that is the key to this 
position, and if we can gain position on it before the enemy, we 
ran form a line and fight a battle, but if the enemy secures it first, 
Ave will be compelled to fall back about seven miles to Pipes' Creek. 
In the absence of Gen. Slocum, I will order you to take possession 
of that hill." Gen. Geary turned to one of his staff, an officer of 
the 109th, and gave orders to have the troops with one battery of 
artillery (Knap's) leave the turnpike, and double-quick diagonally 
across the fields and take the i)osition. When Geary's troops arri- 



I 2 THE OXK HL'XDRED AND X/NTH 

ved, some of the enemy's cavalry were on the opposite side. The 
147th Penna. Vols, and 5th Ohio took position on Little Round 
Top, and the other regiments of the First and Third Brigades to 
their right, and to the left of the Eleventh Army Corps. About 
half-past five a large body of infantry was seen advancing on the 
Emmettsburg Road, and when nearlj' opposite the position of the 
147th Penna. and 5th Ohio, went into bivouac. These troops were 
discovered to be Gen. Sickles' Third Army Corps. This speedy 
formation of the left of the line to Little Round Top frustrated the 
enemy's design, which would, if successful, have proven disastrous 
to the entire position. 

This position was maintained until half-past seven a. m., on 
July 2, when Gen. Sickles, with Third Army Corps, relieved the 
First and Third Brigades of Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps. 
These brigades being relieved moved to the right of the First Army 
Corps, where they w^ere joined by the 109th with Second Brigade. 
The Third Brigade was formed in line, left resting on the right of 
First Army Corps, at nearly a right angle with First Army Corps, 
on a steep rock mount which was a continuation of Cemetery Hill. 
The 109th was formed with its left on the right of the Third Brig- 
ade, at an angle of about forty-five degrees forward, conforming its 
line to the crest of the ridge, and the iiith Penna. on the right of 
the 109th Penna. Breastworks w-ere immediately thrown up along 
the entire line. Skirmishers were thrown out to the creek, where 
the enemy's pickets were encountered. 

During July 2 very little fighting was done on the left of the 
line, but about four p. m. the enemy opened a most fierce attack 
on the left and centre of the line. Between half-past six and seven 
p. m. the 109th with Second Brigade and First Brigade were 
ordered to the right ac ross Rock Creek, as was supposed for the pur- 
pose of reinforcing the left and centre of the line which was so 



PENNS YL VAN! A J 'E TEA' A A' J 'OL UNTEERS. I 3 

fiercely attacked ; but after marching a long distance to the right, 
and away from a short and direct line to the point needing re-in- 
forcement, the 109th with the P'irst and Second Brigades were 
halted on the Baltimore 'i'urnpike, with the left of the line resting 
on Rock Creek, and right on the turnpike. 

Gen. Green with the Third Brigade had been ordered to attenu- 
ate his line, so as to cover the entire Twelfth Corps front ; the 
enemy, however, discovering the withdrawal of the First Division 
from the extreme right, and two brigades from the First Division 
left, made a most vigorous and iurious attack upon Gen. Green ; his 
front and right were attacked before he had succeeded in occupying 
the Second Division entrenchments, and the enemy succeeded in 
occupying the entrenchments evacuated by the P'irst Division. 

The enemy seemed desperately determined to roll up Gen. 
Green's little brigade, and occupy the entire entrenchment of the 
Twelfth Army Cor[)s, and thus secure the vantage-ground of the 
right of our army line. But Gen. Green and his little command 
were equal to the occasion, and with the most determined courage 
and gallantry, during an incessant attack of two and a half hours 
from vastly superior numbers, repelled four separate and furious 
charges, without losing a foot of ground. 

The First and Eleventh Corps sent the gallant old General sup- 
port. The enemy, meeting this determined resistance, discontinued 
their attack about ten j). m., July 2. The 109th with the Second 
and First Brigades had continued in position on the turnpike and 
Rock Creek from half-past seven until nine p. m., when the 109th 
with the Se(-(>nd Brigade was ordered to return to its original posi- 
tion. On entering the woods, and within two hundred yards of the 
breastworks, the 109th and Second Brigade was met by a sliarp 
fire. Without replying the brigade was withdrawn to the turnpike 
in the rrar of, and jjast Gen. Green's right, where it was again met 



14 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

with a volley, showing conclusively that the enemy was occupying 
the intrenchments to the right of Green. 

During Gen. Green's engagement with the enemy, to meet the 
attack on his flank, the 137th New York, which held the right of his 
brigade, changed front, forming a right angle to the rifle-pits, thus 
covering the right of the entire brigade. 

It being injudicious to attack the enemy in the night in their 
new position, the 137th New York was relieved, and the Second 
Brigade was formed in double line at right angles with the Third 
Brigade, the iiith Penna. taking position with its left resting on 
the Third Brigade, and 109th Penna. on the iiith Penna. right. 

Between the 109th Penna. and the iiith Penna. with the 
enemy in their front, was a shallow ravine. Before daylight on the 
morning of July 3, the First Brigade was placed in position on the 
right of the 109th Penna., and in extension of the line of 109th 
and I nth, the brigade's right extending almost to the turnpike. 
Gen. Geary, by a staff-ofiicer of the 109th, reported the situation to 
Gen. Slocum, and on July 3, between one and two o'clock, a. m. 
had posted in position opposite the centre of the line of the Twelfth 
Army Corps, and slightly to the right of the Second Division's right, 
so as to command the ravine formed by Rock Creek, six twelve-pound 
pieces of "F" Battery, 4th United States Artillery, four twelve- 
pound pieces "K" Battery, 5th United States Artillery, and six 
guns of a Maryland Battery. Lockwood's Brigade, composed of 
the ist Eastern Shore Maryland Regiment, and the 150th New York, 
was placed in a position to support the artillery. About half-past 
three a. m., July 3, the artillery opened from every gun a most 
furious fire, and continued without interruption between ten and 
fifteen minutes. At the same time the 109th Penna., with infontry 
of the Second and Third Brigades, made a most furious attack. 

This tremendous assault of infantry and artillery at first seemed 



PENNSYLVANIA VETRRAN VOLUNTEERS. 



15 



to stagger the enemy, but they soon rallied and with three divisions, 
Johnson's, Rodes' and Early's, charged heavily on our front 
and right, yelling in their peculiar style. They were met at every 
point by the unswerving line and deadly fire of the 109th and the 
Second and Third Brigades, these troops not yielding an inch of 
ground ; line after line of the enemy broke under the steady fire, 
but the pressing masses from behind rushed forward to take their 
places. After from twenty minutes to a half hour the artillery 
again opened fire with shell, and continued rapidly without ceasing 
for fifteen minutes, the infantry firing continuing. At about five 
a. m., the 147th Penna. on the right of the 109th Penna. charged 
and carried a stone wall occupied by the enemy. About eight a. m. 
the enemy redoubled their efforts, massing all their forces with the 
intention of carrying the position at all hazards, so that they could 
take the Baltimore Turnpike. Gen. Slocum, fearing the overwhelm- 
ing force of the enemy might prove too much for the Second Divis- 
ion of the Twelfth Army Corps, secured reinforcements from the 
Sixth and First Army Corps. These reinforcements were not how- 
ever called into active service, except a part of Shaler's Brigade. 

About twenty-five minutes past ten, two brigades of Johnson's 
Division having formed in column by regiments, charged upon the 
right occupied by the 109th and Second Brigade. Gen. Geary in 
an official report says of the charge, "They met the determined 
men of Kane's little brigade, which though only six hundred and 
fifty strong, poured into them so continuous a fire that when within 
seventy paces, their columns wavered and soon broke to the rear. 
This was the last charge ; as they fell back our troops rushed for- 
ward, driving the rebels in confusion over the intrenchments, and 
ending every attempt of the enemy to obtain ])ossession of the 
right of the line and the P>altimore Turnj)ike. The enemy's loss 
was very severe, as nine hundred were buried by our troops in I'ront 
of the line of the Second l)ivision. Twelfth Aruiy Corps." 



I 6 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

At lialf-past ten a. in., July 3, the 109th was relieved and 
marched out, taking position near the Baltimore Turnpike, where 
they remained until half-past twelve p. m. They then returned to 
the position, on right of the Third Brigade, which they first occu- 
pied in the breastworks. Gen. Geary in an official report says of 
the Second Brigade, "It sustains the most excellent reputation as 
a high-toned brigade." They retained this position in the breast- 
works until the morning of July 4, when it was discovered that the 
enemy had withdrawn and was retreating. 

On July 5, the entire army was in pursuit of Gen. Lee, and 
after crossing South Mountain on July 12, found him occupying a 
position on the heights of Marsh Run in front of Williamsport. 
The Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, of which the 109th was 
a part, held the extreme left of our army line, wliich place was 
directly opposite the right of Gen. Lee's army fiicing us in front of 
Williamsport. The Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, took 
position about twelve o'clock m. on July 12, and pickets were 
ordered to be thrown out ; Captain Ralston of the 109th was in com- 
mand of the division picket-line. One of Gen. Geary's staff- 
officers, an officer of the 109th, requested the privilege of passing 
outside of the picket line on recognizance, and with one orderly 
passed on the road to the left of the line leading to Williamsport. 
When a considerable distance inside of the enemy's vidette line, he 
called at a farm-house not far from the road, and inquired whether 
any Confederates had been there, and was answered. Yes, several 
officers had takeii dinner there but a short time before, and that not 
far from the road a short distance further on, "a field was full of 
cannon." \x\ this field the enemy had massed their artillery before 
crossing the river. Here was Gen. Lee with the swollen waters of 
the Potomac in his rear, and without means of crossing his artillery, 
pontoons having been swept away. And here defeat must cause the 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. I 7 

surrender of his entire army. The staff-officer returned to division 
headquarters, and reported what he had heard to Gen. Geary, and 
Gen. Geary, accompanied by this staff-officer, reported to Gen. 
Slocura, commanding the Twelfth Army Corps. When Gen. Slocum 
had heard the staff-officer's statement he said "Geary, take your 
division, make an advance and feci the enemy." As Geary was 
about to leave Gen. Slocum' s quarters to carry out this order, a 
staff-officer from Geu; Meade reported to Gen. Slocum, with Gen. 
Meade's compliments, that Gen. Meade would hold a council of 
war. Gen. Slocum then said to Gen. Geary, "Don't make any 
movement until I return from Gen. Meade." No advance was 
made until July 14, when Gen. I^ee had constructed a pontoon 
bridge of lumber collected from canal boats and the ruins of 
wooden houses. The advance on July 14 was a failure, as the last 
of Gen. Lee's army had crossed when we arrived at the river. 

After this the line of march was taken for Catlett's Station, 
Va., where the 109th Regiment arrived July 29, having marched 
from Gettysburg, since July 5, two hundred and four miles. The 
regiment remained at Catlett's Station until August 5, and from 
August 5 until September 18 it was on duty along the Rapidan, 
and from September 18 until September 28 it was on duty near 
Brandy Station, Va. 

On September 28 the regiment was relieved from duty with 
the Army of the Potomac, and with the Twelfth Army Corps and 
Eleventh Army Corps, under Gen. Hooker, ordered west to the re- 
lief of the army at Chattanooga, and reached Murfreesboro, Tenn., 
October 6, and operated against Confederate cavalry from Nashville 
to Murfreesboro. During this time the Confederates held pos- 
session of the cast bank of the Tennessee River from Chattanooga 
to below Kelly's P'erry, holding both Brown's Ferry and Kelly's 
Ferry, and preventing the furnishing of supplies to the army at 



1 8 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

Chattanooga by the Tennessee River. To supply the army at 
Chattanooga was becoming difficult and almost impossible, and the 
opening of the Tennessee River l)erame a necessity. 

October 25 the regiment was ordered from Stevenson, Ala., to 
the front. They arrived at Bridgeport, Ala., October 27, crossing 
the Tennessee River, and struck the Memphis and Charleston R. R. 
near Lookout Mountain. At about five o'clock on the afternoon 
of October 28, they camped in Wauhatchie Valley. The Eleventh 
Army Corps encamped about three miles in advance, near Brown's 
Ferry. The troops encamped in Wauhatchie Valley, near Lookout 
Mountain, consisted of the 29th Penna. Vols., 109th Penna. Vols., 
iiith Penna. Vols., 78th N. Y. Vols., 137th N. Y. Vols., 149th 
N. Y. Vols., and four guns of Knap's Battery. 

The 29th Penna. Vols, was posted on picket. About half-past 
eleven p. m. the pickets were partly driven and the trooj^s were 
at once placed in line. The iiith Penna. Vols, on the right, the 
109th Penna. Vols, on the left of the iiith, the 137th N. Y. on the 
left of the 109th Penna. Vols., and the 78th N. Y. on the left of 
the 137th N. Y., and the four guns of Knap's Battery were placed 
in the rear of the iiith and 109th on rising ground, so as to fire 
over the infantry and be supjiorted. 

The firing on the pickets at half-past eleven proved to be a 
feint, and the troops lay upon their arms. Between twelve p. m. and 
half-past twelve a. m. on October 28, the enemy charged, firing with 
tremendous fury, driving in the pickets, and then commenced one 
of the most furious and important battles of the war. The Army 
of the Cumberland was then on short rations, and supplies were 
impossible except by the Tennessee River. These fourteen hun- 
dred troops of the Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, covered 
Kelly's Ferry. This must be maintained or the enemy would com- 
mand the Tennessee River. From three to five thousand of Stone- 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 1 9 

wall Jackson's old troops were thrown against us for the purpose of 
either capturing our little command, or annihilating it, and gain- 
ing possession of Kelly's Ferry. They poured into us three con- 
centrated fires, from front and right and left flanks, but this little 
band of brave and tried Army of Potomac troops fought with 
steady and determined desperation, not giving way a single foot. 
The 109th fought without a field officer, under the command of a 
captain, but every man realized the importance of the fight and his 
own individual importance, where so few were fighting against so 
many. 

From half-past twelve to half-past three o'clock this desperate 
fight continued. At one time it did appear as though the enemy 
would gain the rear of our right and capture the guns of our bat- 
tery, but by a most timely movement one piece was throvv-n across 
the road on the right, which gave the enemy a raking fire and saved 
the flank. As the guns of the battery flashed the enemy would 
pour such a deadly fire into them, that both commissioned officers 
were killed, twenty-four of the men out of forty-eight were killed 
or wounded, and thirty-seven of the forty-eight horses were killed. 
At the end of three hours the enemy retired, leaving in our hands 
one hundred and fifty-three killed, including six commissioned 
officers, and fifty-two wounded, including three officers, making the 
enemy's loss in killed and wounded, according to the statistics of 
most battle-fields, about one thousand. In this fight the 109th 
added another page of honor to its history, of which every man 
engaged in this battle might feel justly proud. Gen. Geary in an 
official report says, "The enemy precipitately hurled their main 
body without skirmishers upon the left where the 137th N. Y., the 
109th Penna., and the two left companies of the mth Penna., met 
them with intense and well direc ted fire. And the actual fighting 
throughout the battle was sustained in conjunction with the artil- 



20 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

lery by the 137th N. Y., the 109th Penna., the iiith Penna., and 
a portion of the 29th Penna. numbering eight hundred and fifty of- 
ficers and men." Gen. Geary further says of the conduct of the 
137th N. Y., the 109th Penna., and iiith Penna., in sustaining the 
brunt of the battle, " I cannot speak too highly, they acquitted them- 
selves in a manner deserving all the commendation that a commander 
can bestow upon them, and which I take pleasure in mentioning 
officially." 

Previous to the battle of Lookout Mountain the Second Divi- 
sion Twelfth Army Corps maintained a line extending from the 
confluence of Lookout Creek and the Tennessee River on the left to 
the top of Raccoon Mountain on the right. On the morning of 
November 24, 1863, the 109th Penna. and 78th N. Y. were placed 
on the right of these defences, while the balance of the division was 
withdrawn to charge Lookout Mountain. Although the 109th Penna. 
was not actively engaged in the fight, its position in reserve was ex- 
ceedingly important, and the War Department authorizes the battles 
of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Ringgold inscribed 
upon the colors of the 109th Penna. Veteran Volunleers. These 
battles therefore become a part and parcel of the history of the 109th. 

About four o'clock on the morning of November 24, 1863, the 
Second Division Twelftli Army Corps, with some other troops, 
temporarily assigned under the command of Gen. Geary, crossed the 
railroad at Wauhatchie Junction and marched to a point about two 
and one-half miles up Lookout Creek, and here the entire command 
massed behind a hill which effectually secured it from view from the 
mountain. Throwing a bridge across the creek at this point the 
skirmishers and picket-line crossed, surprised and captured the en- 
my's picket-line without firing ; forty-two pickets were captured. 

Four pieces of light artillery, twelve-pounders, were placed on 
Bald Hill near the junction of the creek and river, and four pieces of 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 2 1 

artillery on a hill opposite Lookout Point and behind Bald Hill. 
']'\vo pieces of twenty-pound Parrotts were placed in the gap to the 
right and one section of howitzers commanded the approach to the 
lower bridge, and four pieces of Knap's Battery were posted on an 
eminence to the left of Kelly's Ferry Road from which it commanded 
the sides of Lookout. 

About half-past eight o'clock the entire column commenced to 
cross the bridge, the Second Brigade in advance moved rapidly up 
the hill-slope by the right flank in a direct line from the crossing to 
the wall of the crest ; the Third Brigade followed and joined the Second 
Brigade's left. Gen. Whittaker's Brigade crossed, followed by First 
Brigade, Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps. The line of battle 
as formed faced to the front was, Second Brigade with iiith and 
29th Penna. on the right ; Third Brigade with four regiments in 
the centre; First Brigade on the left in echelon with 66th Ohio 
and three companies of 5th Ohio in reserve. This constituted the 
front, covering the slopes from the mound of the crest to Lookout 
Creek. The 8th Kentucky, 35th Indiana, 99th and 40th Ohio re- 
spectively in order from the right of Whittaker's Brigade formed the 
second line in support, about three hundred and fifty yards to the 
rear of the front line, his right resting opposite Second Brigade's 
centre ; about one hundred yards in the rear of the supporting line 
were the 96th Illinois and 51st Ohio, also of Whittaker's Brigade. 
This formation and distances were maintained until the farthest 
point gained on the mountain. A heavy line of skirmishers had 
been advanced and covered the entire front through the day's move- 
ments, and the flanks were kcjjt so intact that the supporting line 
was perfectly secure, excepting from sharj^shooters on the crest. 

About nine o'clock the whole line moved forward, the right, 
held by the 29th Penna., kept in close contact with the ragged pre- 
cii)ice of the summit ; the left was instructed to govern its move- 



2 2 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

ments by those of the front line on tlie riglit, the extreme left 
resting near the creek, the guide being the upper curvature of the 
mountain. The movement was quite rapid over the steep sides of 
the mountain which slojjcd at nearly an angle of forty-five degrees, 
breaking into numerous successive ravines from fifty to a hundred 
feet in depth, overcome by clambering almost perpendicular ascents 
and descents. When the right and centre had progressed about 
one mile and a quarter, the enemy's pickets were encountered and 
driven back upon their main advance body, a mile beyond a part 
of a series of fortifications, rugged nature and artificial, occupied by 
a brigade of the enemy. With fixed bayonets our troops charged 
at double-quick over all obstructions, regardless of the active work 
of the sharpshooters in the gorges and from the crest and the heavy 
musketry in front, and with wild enthusiasm made a sudden and 
vigorous assault. The Third Brigade and the iiith Penna., closing 
in with the enemy, and the 29th Penna. on the right, hurled them- 
selves upon their flank with furious effect. The enemy offered a 
sturdy but brief resistance and soon yielded and threw down their 
arms. This was the first success in the charge upon Lookout Moun- 
tain. Many of the enemy were killed and wounded and the balance 
of the brigade were taken prisoners, with small arms, cam]) equij^age, 
and four rebel flags, were captured by the 149th and 60th N. Y. 
regiments. The prisoners were sent to the rear to be disposed of 
by Gen. Whittaker's command. 

The command without halting upon the site of the victory, 
pressed eagerly forward in original Ibrmation. Many were the ob- 
structions now surmounted at every step, ravines, i)recipices, im- 
mense boulders, abbatis, slashings and carefully constructed works. 
Keejiing the right firm against the barrier of the mountain top, the 
right, having the shorter line, made more advance with less marching 
than the balance of the line. 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 



23 



Before reaching the next line of the enemy, the right of the line 
encountered the almost perpendicular pyramid of Lookout Point, 
the line being obliqued to the right so as to keep the rock forthe right 
to rest upon. This brought the line to the most elevated accessible 
ix)int of the mountain, short of the most elevated peak. At this 
point a rebel regiment was observed making a hasty descent through 
a pass from the westerly crest upon our flank. The 29th Penna. 
changed front to rear and succeeded in capturing the entire rebel 
regiment and thus counteracted this flank movement of the enemy. 
At this time our artillery opened upon the enemy's fortifications, 
the missiles flying over our troops into their lines. The artillery 
ceased and the Third Brigade and left of the Second Brigade charged 
the fortifications, who offered a stout resistance, but the Third Bri- 
gade pressed them hotly while the right of the Second poured in its 
flanking fire with such vigor that the enemy sullenly fell back from 
work to work until they were driven from each strong lodgement. 

During this time the enemy opened with three pieces of light 
artillery from the crest and for twenty minutes made every effort to 
enfilade our lines, but their guns could not be sufficiently depressed 
to reach our ranks, and their missiles burst with trivial effect over the 
heads of the First Brigade, which unseen by the enemy was sweeping 
up the rough declivity just below the plateau. Being baffled with 
their artillery they hurled shell and hand grenades from the cliffs, 
but our lines moved so rapidly that they were mostly ineffective. 
Our lines still pressed on, pushing the enemy with such vigor that 
they could not recover, and their front wavered more and more each 
stand, until their falling back became a flight. 

This was about twelve o'clock noon. The Second Brigade ad- 
vanced about eight l.undred yards around the point so as to com- 
mand the enemy's flank and protect our own. At this point the 
brigade passed the mountain side at almost a ])crpendicular angle, 



24 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

and when the brigade's right reached the desired point, their column 
was closed up, and with backs firm against the acclivity, presented 
a front toward Chattanooga Creek. At the same time the Third 
Brigade charged through the Peach Orchard taking the works en- 
circling it and driving the enemy from a stone Avail jiarallel with our 
line. The 137th and 60th N. Y., dashed through the 3'ard of the 
"White House," where the enemy had two pieces of artillery in 
position, c-apturing them and their gunners, throwing the colors of 
the i37ih N. Y. on the guns, as token of cai)ture. 

Our troops were fired with enthusiasm and on they went over 
the successive belts of ranij^arts inclosing the level area which the 
rebels reluctantly yielded. We had progressed about five hundred 
yards beyond the " White House " with our riglit, and in front of the 
mountain road, when the routed rebels rallied upon a large body of 
the enemy, three brigades being covered by the woods and rocks. 
Our men were imbued with irresistible ardor and vigorously engaged 
them. Whittaker's Brigade was halted at the stone wall of the " White 
House" and several of his regiments were formed about two hun- 
dred yards to the rear and left of it. A part of one of his regiments 
moved up to the support of the left of the line but was soon with- 
drawn. The enemy made several charges and were as often driven 
back to their original line. While the Third Brigade combatted 
the masked forces in front, the Second Brigade opened an oblique 
fire on the enemy's flank which enfiladed their lines and made their 
situation untenable. The impenetrable fog, which had for some time 
lingered above, now settled down upon and below the Third Brigade 
and it became impossible to direct fire upon the enemy unseen with- 
out endangering our own men ; the fog prevailed during the balance 
of the day. The left of our line was still striving for the old road 
leading from the mountain into Chattanooga Valley, when at half- 
past twelve an order from Gen. Hooker commanded a halt along 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 



25 



the crest. We had gone already beyond the intended point. The 
ground occupied by our line was very abrupt. The Second Brigade 
flag floated from the highest ])oint yet gained on the 24th. The 
officers and men manifested an eagerne.ss to go forward. At a])out 
one o'clock the enemy made an assault in force upon our left, but 
our men stood firm and soon forced the enemy back to cover. 
From two o'clock p. m., of the 24th, and during the afternoon, 
night and early morning of the 25th, the Second Division was re- 
lieved at different times by Col. Grose's Brigade, Gen. Whittaker's 
Brigade and Gen. Carlin's Brigade. During the night of the 24th 
and morning of the 25th but little firing was done, but the men suf- 
fered considerably from cold. Before daylight of the 25th Gen. 
Geary gave orders for small reconnoitering parties to gain the sum- 
mit with ladders and plant the colors on top had the enemy evacu- 
ated. The colors of the 8th Kentucky ascended on the eastern side 
of the ridge and the 29th Penna. on the western. They stood upon 
the summit about the same time, but the 8th Kentucky having the 
shorter line was the first to unfurl the flag from the gigantic cliffs, 
but almost the same instant the 29th Penna. unfurled their flag and 
the "white star," the symbol of the division which carried Look- 
out Mountain. The enemy had evacuated, and from ten thousand 
throats burst forth the wildest shouts of patriotic enthusiasm. The 
victory was complete and without measure in its importance. 

At shortly after ten o'clock on tlie morning of the 25th, pursu- 
ant to orders from Gen. Hooker, the Second Division, preceded by 
Osterhaus' and Cruft's Divisions, marched down the mountain 
toward Mission Ridge, upon the left of which the rebel troops 
withdrawn froui Lookout and Chattanooga Valley had been placed 
in position in extension of the entire rebel line. Our troops 
descended into Chattanooga Valley taking the rebel route. The 
enemy disputed the advance of the column with artillery for a short 



26 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

time, but was driven back and one of their guns captured. At 
about three o'clock in the afternoon our column turned to the left 
and followed the base of Mission Ridge. 

Osterhaus moved down the eastern base and Cruft was getting 
a foothold to sweep along the crest line, when our division advanced 
along the western base with five batteries and parallel to the enemy's 
front and toward their right. The First and Second Brigades were 
puslied forward along the base and the Third Brigade in support of 
the artillery opened a battery on the enemy's flank and rear, com- 
pelling them to fall back; at the same time continuing a brisk 
artillery fire upon them. The division was then formed in 
column of brigades with the First Brigade in front and the Second 
Brigade in second line. They scaled the craggy sides of the 
ridge, moving obliquely to effect a junction with the right of 
Gen. Palmer's Fourteenth Corps. The rebel retreat at this time 
had fairly started, and our effort was made to cut them off. The 
descent of the ridge was a difficult work, but was accomplished 
in good order amid shouts and cheers. As our line of battle 
gained the summit Johnston's Division of the Fourteenth Corps 
attained the adjoining cliff on the left. At six p. m. our junction 
was complete and the left of the ridge was ours. 

The balance of the army was successful and the entire range 
was taken from the enemy. Pursuant to orders we descended to 
the western base of the ridge and bivouacked for the night in the 
enemy's winter quarters. Several hundred prisoners were taken. 

At ten o'clock on the morning of the 26th, under orders from 
Gen. Hooker, our division marched through Rossville Gap, fol- 
lowing tlie line of retreat of the left of the enemy's army on the 
road to Graysville. Tlie main body of the enemy retreated rapidly. 
Our division having j)assed Pea Vine Creek and Chickamauga 
Swamp at ten p. m. it was ascertained that the enemy had forces 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 27 

on Pidgeon Hill. Osterhaus' advance commenced skirmishing ; 
our First Brigade was hastily moved to the front, doubled on 
Osterhaus' column, and formed in line at right angles with the 
Ringgold Road. The Second Brigade was drawn up in line in an 
open field about three hundred yards to the rear. Skirmishers 
were inniiediately thrown to the front, scaled the hills and drove 
the rebel rear-guard from the ridge. Our division was within four 
miles of Ringgold. We bivouacked for the night at the foot of 
Pidgeon Hills. 

At daylight on the 27th we marched from bivouac, in rear of 
Osterhaus' Division. At eight o'clock we man bed rapidly through 
the town of Ringgold under a musketry fire from the ridge beyond. 
A short distance beyond, the Western and Atlantic Railroad ran 
through a gap in Taylor's Ridge, running in the same general 
direction as Mission Ridge ; through this gap the whole of Bragg's 
retreating army had passed towards Dalton up to the time of our 
arrival, leaving one division in position on the ridge to dispute our 
passage. At half-past seven, Osterhaus, in advance, had formed his 
line at the foot of the hill, and assaulted the ridge under severe fire 
from the enemy. Al)out eight o'clock our First Brigade passed to 
the left to scale the mountain and if possible gain the summit, attack 
the enemy in flank and charge with vigor along the ridge. The 
brigade was formed about three-quarters of a mile from the gap 
parallel with the railroad in two lines in echelon ; the 66th Ohio 
and 28th Penna. in front, and the 7th Ohio and 147th Penna. one 
hundred yards in rear. The movements were made with rapidity, 
passing across a large open field to the foot of the ridge, under a 
severe fire from the summit. The two lines were here deployed 
into a single line of l)attle, throwing the 7th Ohio and \\1^\\ Penra. 
on the left. About five hundred feet above was the enemy pouring 
down a rapid deadly fire. The brigade steadily descended the 



28 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

Steep sides of the hill. Our fire was withdrawn until about half 
way up, when the whole line opened upon the enemy on the 
summit and pressed on. 

The 7th Ohio on the right of the regiment on the extreme 
left was compelled to move through a ravine. The enemy massed 
at this point, and poured into this regiment a most deadly enfilad- 
ing fire ; it received and returned it unflinchingly and pressed on 
until within twenty-five yards of the summit, but the enemv, 
strongly reinforced, was overpoweringly superior, with advantage 
of position. The regiment, having lost its gallant colonel, and 
twelve out of its thirteen officers and nearly one-half its men, was 
retired. The 147th Penna. on the extreme left gained a position 
near the top, but both flanks of this regiment were endangered 
by the falling back of the 7th Ohio. The 28th Penna. and 66th 
Ohio, well protected on the right, held their ground about forty 
yards below the crest line, and engaged the eneni}', but owing to 
the overpowering strength of the enemy they could not advance 
and were ordered to form on the line below. These brave troops 
had contended for two and one-half hours against overwhelming 
numbers and against the enemy in almost impregnable position. 

As soon as the First Brigade was moved to the rear and left, 
the Second Brigade was brought up and massed behind a large 
stone depot on the confines of the town, toward the ridge. The 
Third Brigade was halted in reserve four hundred }ards in the 
rear in the main street of Ringgold. 

The Second Brigade had remained but a few minutes under 
shelter, when the enemy with artillery and musketry was pressing 
back some of Osterhaus' regiments on the right. The Second 
Brigade moved to his support on the double-cpiick, cros.sed the 
railroad under severe fire and took position in front on a mound 
to the left of the railroad and gap, facing the ridge. The advance 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 29 

of the enemy's line was checked and hurled back towards the 
ridge. 

The Third Brigade was brought up as soon as the Second was 
sent to tlie reliff of the right, and was disposed in column of 
regiments, en masse, behind the stone depot. 

The fight raged in front and at twenty minutes of eleven a. m. 
Osterhaus on the entire right was giving way. The Third Brigade 
was at once ordered to the right at double-quick. l"he troops in 
compact order swept over an open swampy space of nearly half 
a mile, while the enemy poured into them grape, canister and 
musketry. Arriving at the point of the right of the Second Brigade, 
the line was formed with 137th N. Y. on the left joining the 
Second Brigade on tlie right, and 149th N. Y. on the right of the 
brigade. They at once engaged the enemy and compelled them 
to recoil, and soon to seek protection upon the ridge in the sides 
of the gap. About fifteen minutes after retiring, the enemy ad- 
vanced artillery to the edge of a belt of woods at the mouth of the 
gap with infantry support, and at the short range of one hundred 
yards commenced hurling shrapnel into our lines. A detachment 
of sharpshooters from the 149th N. Y. succeeded in driving the 
enemy with the artillery from their position, after the enemy had 
sustained a considerable loss. At about noon, one section of 
Knap's Penna. Battery and one section of Landgraeber's howitzers, 
were placed in position on the right of the Third Brigade, and in 
front of the gap. They soon silenced the enemy's guns and drove 
back their infantry. At this same time, one section of Knap's 
Battery opened from the line near our left upon the enemy which 
had massed in front of the First Brigade. At one o'clock, Oster- 
haus scaled the mountain, and our Third Brigade pushed their 
skirmishers into the gap, the 149th N. Y. capturing two flags. 
The enemy were driven back, and, after five hours contest, the 



30 THE ONE HUiYDRED AND NINTH 

ridge was in our possession. On the morning of December ist 
the Second Division marched from Ringgold to their old encamp- 
ment in Lookout Valley. For the distinguished and most gallant 
service of the Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, of which the 
109th Penna. was a part at the Battle of Lookout Mountain, Gen. 
Grant, who was then in command of the army at Chattanooga, 
ordered a special review of this division, at which all of the dis- 
linguished officers serving at this ])ki<e luider Gen. Grant took 
part. This was a distinction granted to very few. if to any other 
divisions during the war. 

Sliortlv after this the 109th manhcd from W'auhatc hie \'allc\' 
to Bridgeport. .\lal)ama. and went into winter ([uarters. ( )n 
lanuarv 20, 1864, the regiment re-enlisted for three years, and 
thus under the orders of the War Department became a Veteran 
Regiment, and left Bridgeport for Philadelphia on thirty days 
veteran furlough. 

On April 4, 1864, the regiment was brigaded with 27th Penna. 
Vols., 73d Penna Vols., 119th N. Y. Vols., 134th N. Y. Vols., 
154th N. Y. Vols., and 33d N. J. Vols., forming the Second Bri- 
gade, Second Division, Twentieth Army Corps. The regiment 
returned from veteran furlough and rejoined the division at Bridge- 
port, Alabama, on May 4, 1864, and on May 5 commenced 
Sherman's celebrated campaign against Atlanta, Georgia. On 
May 6 the regiment advanced with the division near Ringgold, 
Georgia, and on May 8 it was engaged at Rocky Faced Ridge, 
Dug Gap, Georgia. The Second Division, Twentieth Army Corps, 
was ordered to make an attack at Dug Gap in order to divert the 
enemy from Buzzard's Roost to Dug Gap, to insure a successful 
assault by a large part of the army on Buzzard's Roost, the objec 
tive i)oint being the turning of Dalton. 

Rockv Faced Ridge extends for a long distance along a 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 31 

mountain range through which is Snake Creek Gap and Dug Gap ; 
the rocks are ahuost perpendicular and very high ; from the valley 
or table land below to Dug Gap, the side of the mountain is quite 
steep and covered with timber, and the only road of approach to 
Dug Gap is a tortuous wagon road. Up this hill, and through this 
timber, was the Second Division ordered to charge, and assault 
Dug Gap, and most bravely was it done. 

To carry this gap by an assault was practically impossible, 
nor was it intended to be carried, but the charge was made with 
the same heroic determination as though success was assured. The 
Second Division almost scaled these rocky faced ridges in the 
enthusiasm of the charge. The charge resulted in securing the 
object intended, so that the 109th Penna. with the Second Division, 
Twentieth Army Corps, is entitled to the inscription of another 
victory on its banner. On May 12 the 109th passed through 
Snake Creek Gap in an advance on Resaca, and on May 14 and 
15 the battle of Resaca was fought. 

May 15 at three o'clock a. m., the 109th Penna. and Second 
Brigade formed on the left and rear of the Third Brigade, which 
held the position on the extreme left flank of the army covering 
the Dalton road. At seven a. m., a strong reconnoitering party of 
the Second Division was sent out and returned at eleven a. m. 
At this hour the division received orders to move to the right about 
three-quarters of a mile and form a column of attack. 

This movement was made with the First Division of the 
Twentieth Corps. Owing to the nature of the ground, and the 
small comjiass within which the entire army was to operate in the 
first charge, the Second Division was formed in column of regi- 
ments. 'I'he Third Brigade was formed in advance, the Second 
Brigade following, and the First Brigade last. The position 
occupied by the enemy was one strongly intrenched on an irregular 



32 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

line of hills with spurs running in every direction. On most of 
the elevations the enemy had batteries protected by earthworks. 
The hills, steep and rough, were thickly wooded. 

Everything being in readiness the advance was ordered. 
The Third Brigade crossed a ravine and a hill, swejjt by the 
enemy's artillery and musketry fire, and drove the enemy from 
another hill, and, turning a little to the right, charged with ring- 
ing cheers for the capture of a battery which tVom a kev i)osition, 
was dealing death on every side. At the same time on the Third 
Brigade's left, a portion of the Third Division, Twentieth Corjjs, 
was advan( ing for the same deadly ])rize. The advance of 
botli commands reached the battery nearly together. 

The I nth Penna. of the Third Brigade led, and forced its 
way until the men had their hands almost on the guns and their 
colors on the earthworks, from which part of the gunners had 
been driven, and many killed. This earthwork was a sunken one 
at the crest of the hill opening towards its rear. Twenty yards 
in its rear was a line of strong breastworks, from which a deadly 
fire poured around and into the battery, rendering it impossible 
for men to live there. Col. Cobham, commanding the iiith 
Regiment, formed his little line, now augmented by the 109th and 
other portions of the brigade, within fifteen yards of the guns, 
where by the formation of the ground his men were sheltered from 
the terrible fire. Three regiments were formed in this line, and 
the balance of the Second Brigade j^osted in reserve. Tiiree 
regiments of the Third Brigade advanced gallantly, driving the 
enemy from two hills from the left of Col. Cobham, and were 
ordered to report to Col. Cobham. (Jrders were given Col. 
Cobham to make every effort to secure and bring off the battery 
in his front. To this end Col. Cobham was reinforced from the 
First, Second and Third Brigades, until his command numbered 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 33 

ten regiments. In the isolated position held by Col. Cobham, it 
was impossible to erect even a slight barricade without receiving a 
terrible fire from the enemy, fifty yards distant. The only route 
of communication with Col. Cobham was by way of ridges which 
were swept in most places by artillery and musketry fire from the 
enemy's main line. About five p. m. a division of the enemy's 
infantry debouched from the woods in front of the left of the 
Second Division, and charged in column, with the effort to gain 
possession of tlie ridges in our I'ront. If successfiil it would have 
exposed Col. Cobham to attack from every side, and forced him 
to abandon his position ; but the attack, though a spirited one, 
failed. About nine o'clock }). m. in the darkness Col. Cobham's 
men, with picks and shovels, dug through the works in front of the 
guns. This work had to be silently and carefully done. The men 
crept on hands and knees to the little dug fort, and after digging 
through the earthwork and removing the logs and stones, ropes were 
attached, and manned by brave men, while their brave comrades 
with pieces aimed at the crest of the hill, covered them in their 
work. At about midnight four guns were removed and in our 
possession, but the enemy, on the alert, discovered the movement, 
and springing over their breastworks furiously attacked Cobham's 
line. Cobham held his position, drove back the enemy, and sent 
four twelve-pound brass pieces to headquarters. The enemy was 
pursued from Resaca, and the Ostenaula River crossed May 16. 
An advance was made on Cassville May 18, and May 19 there was 
considerable skirmishing on the Cassville Road. From May 19 to 
May 23 manceuvrings were carried on near Cassville. On May 24 
an advance was made to Enhurley Creek on Alabama Road. A 
skirmish occurred at Owen's Mill, Pumpkin Vine Creek Bridge, 
May 25. The advance on this road was by the troops of the 
Second Division, Twentieth Army Corps, without support, the 



34 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

First Division Twentieth Army Corps being upon another road 
with the Fourteenth Army Corps, as it was supposed a large body 
of the enemy would be encountered by the Fourteenth Army Corps. 
Gen. Hooker and staff were riding at the head of the Second 
Division with Gen. Geary and staff, and upon the approach of the 
troops to Pumpkin Vine Creek Bridge, it was found that the enemy 
had fired the bridge. When Gen. Hooker and staff and Gen. Geary 
and staff attempted to put out the fire, the encni\ 's videttes, con- 
cealed in the woods on the bluffs upon the opposite side, fired at 
Hooker and (reary, but missed their aim. (ien. Hooker ordered 
Gen. Geary to throw across one regiment to dislodge them, and 
the 5th Ohio was thrown across. Tht y formed a regimental front 
and charged, but it was received with such a volley that forty-eight 
men were killed or wounded and a staff-officer of the First Brigade 
killed. The whole division was then thrown across, and they 
found after considerable loss that the enemy was in too strong a 
force to be routed. Orders had been sent, as soon as the enemy 
was found in force in front, by the major-general commanding 
the corps, to march the First and Third Divisions to the point 
where the Second Division was engaged. 

By five o'clock p. m. all three divisions were massed, with 
the Second Division in the centre, the First Division on the right, 
and the Third Division on the left. Each division was quickly 
formed for attack in column by brigades, the First Division lead- 
ing, the Third Division next, and the Second Division in reserve. 
Between six and seven o'clock p. m. the Second Division was 
ordered to push forward. The division moved rapidly through a 
dense woods, swept by a very heavy artillery and musketry fire ; 
the discharge of canister and shell from the enemy was rapid and 
terrific. 

The 109th Penna. with portions of the Second and portions of 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 



35 



the First Brigade, engaged the enemy at short range driving them 
until after dark, when the Second Division was halted close under 
the enemy's batteries. 

Breastworks were thrown up during the night, and when 
dawn came the position held by the Second Division was found 
to be a ridge of considerable natural strength, confronting another 
ridge at the distance of eighty yards on the left, and three hundred 
yards on the right, on which were the enemy's main line. 

The operations were continued near New Hope Church, until 
June I, and from June i to June 5, the 109th with the Second 
Division Twentieth Army Corps made a movement on the left of 
the army, and on June 7 took position near Ackworth, Ga. On 
June 10 an advance was made to Kenesaw Mountain, and on 
June 14, 15, and 16, a series of engagements took place at Pine 
Knob on Kenesaw Range. On June 15 Pine Knob was carried 
by a charge. On June 16 captured the enemy's skirmish-line. 
Skirmishing occurred on June 17 and 18 in front of Kenesaw and 
at Noses Creek. On June 22 there was an engagement at Kulps' 
Plouse, near Marietta, on the Powder Spring Road. 

On June 27 an assault was made on Kenesaw south of Little 
Kenesaw, and (ien. Hood, who had been placed in command of 
the Confederate army, was jiursued toward the Chattahoochie River 
on July 3. Demonstrations took jilace along Nick-a-Jack Creek, 
at Turner's Ferry, July 4. The division skirmished with the 
enemy at Paices Ferry, July 5, on the Chattahoochie River, and 
on July 16 they crossed at Paices Ferry. On July 17 had a 
skirmish at Nancy's Creek, and on July 19, the 109th with the 
Second Division Twentieth Army Corps, covered the troops while 
constructing a bridge for the ])urpose of crossing Peach Tree Creek. 
Here quite a spirited action took place, our troops succeeded 
however in crossing, and, on July 20 was fought the Battle of Peach 



36 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 



Tree Creek. At ten a. m. the skirmishers moved forward, sup- 
ported by the First Brigade and followed by the Second Brigade. 
They crossed two timbered ridges and after a sharp engagement, 
drove the enemy's skirmishers from a third ridge in the woods, 
and from a cornfield on the right of it. The i)Osition gained at 
twelve m. was at once occupied by First Brigade in line. A 
section of Bundy's Battery went into position on the left of the 
division, in the edge of the wood, and opened an enfilading fire 
upon the enemy. The Second Brigade was now jjlaced in two 
lines, in support of the First Brigade, and all the artillery of the 
division ])osted on the First IJrigade's line, the Third Brigade 
massed on the ridge behind the Second Brigade. In front, and 
to the right of the division, was a high, narrow, timbered hill 
about three hundred \ards in advance of the main line, on which 
rested the right of the division skirmish-line. 

The 33d N. J. of the Second Brigade was directed to occupy 
this hill, the skirmish-line advanced a short distance, when the 
enemy, heretofore concealed not more than seventy-five yards in 
front, advanced in heavy force and poured into the skirmish-line 
a deadly and continuing fire, forcing the skirmish-line and the 
33d N. J. back to the main line, with considerable loss. Scarcely 
had they rejoined the main line, when the enemy in immense 
force rapidly and fiercely burst upon the right flank of the First 
and Second Brigades and pressed their flanks to their rear, at the 
same time charging upon the First Brigade, front and right. 

The 60th N. Y. of the Third Brigade, and 119th N. Y., 73d 
Penna. and the 109th Penna. of the Second Brigade, stood by 
and supported the artillery fighting with the batteries on all sides 
holding the hill, while the balance of the division quickly changed 
front and formed in the midst of the battle connecting with the 
First Division, Twentieth Army Corps. This was done by 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 37 

changing front to the right of the First Brigade and deploying 
the Second and Third Brigades in one hne, connecting the Third 
Brigade's left with the First Brigade, and the Second Brigade's 
right with the First Division's left. During these changes the 
battle raged on every side with terrific fury. The 109th and the 
four other regiments throughout all this time were holding the 
hill with artillery. That hill was the key position of the entire 
battle ; once gained by the enemy the day was lost. The enemy 
perceiving its importance surged in immense masses against it, 
while the^division (excepting the 109th and the other four regiments 
mentioned), was changing front and rectifying its line. But the 
109th and these four regiments and batteries stood firm as rocks, 
and mowed down column after column of that vast, struggling 
mass that charged them from three sides. Gen. Geary in an 
official report says, "I have never seen more heroic fighting." 
For three hours the fury of the battle could not be surpassed. 
On July 22 our line advanced with frequent skirmishes, 
driving the enemy into the city of Atlanta, Ga., and establishing 
a siege of the city. On July 30 the 109th with the Second 
Division, Twentieth Army Corps, advanced a picket-line and 
captured one hundred and twenty prisoners. 

Heavy skirmishing was engaged in August 5 and 6. August 
25 and 26 they took position at Chattahoochie Bridge, Paices 
Ferry, and engaged the enemy. 

On September 2, the 109th with the Second Division, 
Twentieth Army Corps, were the first troops to enter and occupy 
the city of Atlanta. From September 2 until November 15, 
they were on duty in the city of Atlanta, and on November 15 
commenced the celebrated march of Sherman to the Sea. On 
the 15th an advance was made by Decatur, Stone Mountain. 
Social Circle and Madison, toward MiUedgeviUe. On the 19th 



38 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

we were at the railroad bridge Doonee River, and on the 2 2d 
they occupied Milledgeville. Sandersville was occupied on No- 
vember 26. During tins celebrated march to the sea one of the 
most important services rendered by the troops and one with the 
most disastrous results to the military strength of the enemy was 
the destruction of the military lines of railroads. On November 
27, 28 and 29, the 109th with the Second Division, Twentieth 
Army Corps, accomplished a most imjjortant work in the destruc- 
tion of the Georgia Central Railroad, and from December i to 
December 8, the destruction of the Louisville and Nashville Rail- 
road. This work of destruction was unique and complete ; the 
rails were twisted and tied into knots, making their further use 
impossible without re-rolling. 

The war seemed to have developed this special mode of 
destroying the military strength of the enemy. On December 
ID ]\Iontieth Swamp was reached, and on this same day com- 
menced the siege of Savannah. I'he Second Division, Twentieth 
Army Corps, with the 109th Penna., in the siege of Savannah 
occupied the extreme left of the army line, resting on the Savan- 
nah River. The siege continued from December 10 until Decem- 
ber 20, when the city was occupied. 

Remained on duty in the city of Savannah from December 
21, 1864, until January 26, 1865, when the campaign of the 
Carolinas was commenced. The 109th and Second Division 
Twentieth Army Corps marched through Georgia and crossed 
the Savannah River at Sister's Ferry, February 7, into South 
Carolina, and advanced toward Barnwell. They crossed the North 
Edisto River on February 13, and the South Edisto at Jones' 
Bridge, February 14, and advanced to Charlotte, N. C, February 
17. Saluda River, at Mount Zion Church, was crossed February 
19, Broad River, at Freshley's Mills, was also crossed, and Alston 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS. 39 

occupied February 20. We entered Winnsboro, S. C, February 
21 and the same afternoon Gen. Geary, commanding the Second 
Division, Twentieth Army Corps, received a communication from 
General Wade Hampton, commanding the Confederate cavalry. 
This communication was addressed to the commanding officer of 
U. S. troops occupying Winnsboro, requesting a safe-guard of 
said troops to be placed upon the property in Winnsboro, and to 
remain until Gen. Hampton should enter Winnsboro, when the 
safe-guard would be returned to their command in safety. The 
request was com])lied with and the promise of Gen. Hamjjton 
honorably kept. The communication was received by an officer 
of the 109th at the division headquarters, and a detail of the 109th 
constituted a part of the safe-guard which remained on duty. 

The Catawba or Wateree River was crossed at Rocky Moun- 
tain February 23, and arrived at Hanging Rock February 26. 
They remained until February 28, when an advance was made, 
crossing Lynch's Creek at Horton's, March i. On March 3 they 
skirmished with the enemy and occupied Chesterfield. The Great 
Peedee was crossed at Swedesboro, N. C, March 5. From here 
they marched upon Fayetteville, N. C, and occupied it from 
March 12 to 14, and on March 16 arrived at Averysboro. From 
here they marched to Bentonville and from Bentonville they 
marched, and occupied Goldsboro, N. C, from March 21 to April 
10. On April 10 they advanced to and occupied Smithfield until 
April II, and from Ai)ril 11 to Ai)ril 13 they marched to Raleigh. 

Here the T09th was consolidated with the iiith Penna. On 
April 26 Gen. Johnston surrendered. The division marched to 
Washington, and on May 24 took part in the Grand Review. 
Remained in Washington on duty at the Old Capitol Prison till 
July 19, when the officers and men of the old and well-beloved 
regiment were mustered out and sent to their homes, after a 
continuous service of three years and seven months. 



40 THE ONE HUNDRED AND NINTH 

The total enrolment was one thousand and fifty-five, the 
killed and wounded was two hundred and thirty-nine, and those 
who died of disease and otherwise while in service, fifty-eight. 
The total loss during service, killed, dead and wounded, amounted 
to two hundred and ninety-seven. Nearly one-third of the 
entire number enrolled lay down their lives or were wounded 
during their term of service. From May, 1862, until the surrender 
of Gen. Lee, the 109th was constantly at the front, and an order 
during a fight which detailed them on duty away from the line 
of battle was ret eived with disfavor and protest. 

The dangers of battle are over. The trials and hardships 
of the march have passed and the monotony of camp life has 
become a memory ; history alone is busy with the deeds of valor 
and actions of bravery of the 109th Penna. 

This monument of granite which we this day dedicate is a 
page in the regiment's history. Monuments will add no lustre 
to the deeds of the dead, nor confer virtue upon their actions, 
but simply keep in remembrance those who in the time of our 
country's peril offered their lives to avert the danger and save 
for the benefit of posterity a government founded upon the cori- 
sent of the governed, and dedicated to the principles of human 
freedom and personal liberty. 



ERRATA. 

Page 6, — thirteenth line from top. 

for " into Maryland " read "into Virginia." 
Page 12, — sixth line from bottom. 

for " very little fighting was done on the left" read " ver 

little fighting was done on the right." 
Page 13, ninth line from top. 

after "and two brigades" add " of the Second Division." 
Page 14, — twelfth line from top. 

for " with" read "and." 
Page iS, — ninth line from bottom. 

omit "Between twelve p. m., and half-past twelve a. m.' 

and substitute "At a cpiarter of twelve p. m." 
Page 40, — fourth line from top. 

for " dead " read " died." 







T^rr^^^v 



